Taverna Antiqua

Taverna Antiqua is a medieval banquet with a show, just outside Tomar, the Templar town. The fun starts at the door. Every guest is given medieval clothing to wear on arrival, so the whole family eats in costume.

Then the entertainment comes to you. The tavern describes its show as moving around the room and involving every table: costumed musicians playing old instruments, court figures, knights, nobles and jesters, with improvised theatre, singing and toasts. The “desvendar mais” page lists juggling, fire acts, traditional dances and recreated knights’ combat among the performances. The audience is expected to join in, which suits a confident child and may be too much for a shy one (see below).

The website says the tavern is suitable for families and children and calls the evening an educational experience for all ages.

There is no à la carte menu. Everyone gets the same set banquet, which the tavern says it bases on historical records of medieval cooking, adapted to modern tastes. The courses are a welcome drink, bread, a board of cured meats, soups, two main courses and a selection of desserts. The tavern mentions roast meats, handmade bread and comforting soups, with drinks served in tankards.

For a fussy child, the bread and soup are the safest bets, and roast meat usually goes down well. Tell the tavern about allergies or special diets when you book: it says it can meet dietary requests with advance notice.

When checked in September 2026 the banquet cost €40 for adults and €30 for children aged 6 to 12, and children under 6 ate free. Water and the welcome drink are included; other drinks are extra.

The tavern moved to new premises in 2026. It celebrated the opening of its new home at Lugar do Moinho Novo, in the parish of Madalena near Tomar, on 16 May and opened to the public on 5 June 2026. Older reviews and listings may give the previous address, so use the one above.

It is open to the public from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. On weekdays it hosts only groups and events, such as birthdays and private banquets. Book ahead. The tavern can arrange transfers from Tomar.

Tomar has more for a child who likes history. The Pegões aqueduct is a few kilometres out of town, and every four years the town holds the Festa dos Tabuleiros, when girls carry towers of bread on their heads (see What’s on).

A banquet with live music, fire acts and performers who approach the tables is loud and busy by design. A child who hates being singled out may not enjoy a jester at their elbow. You can ask at booking whether any tables are quieter, and it helps to explain beforehand that the actors may talk to them.

How much does it cost for children?

Children under 6 eat free, children aged 6 to 12 pay €30 and adults pay €40, when checked in September 2026. Drinks other than water and the welcome drink cost extra.

Is it open every day?

No. It is open to the public from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. On weekdays it takes only group bookings and events.

Do we have to dress up?

Costumes are handed out on arrival as part of the experience. You don’t need to bring your own.

Can they cater for allergies?

The tavern says it can meet dietary restrictions and special requests if you tell it when you book.